Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face intrusive behavior of preinstalled software, especially when the popular Yandex Browser spontaneously opens tabs with ads or news feeds, not a virus in the classical sense, but the result of aggressive integration of the manufacturer’s services into the MIUI or HyperOS operating system.
The problem lies in the system components, which get permission to run background processes and display content on top of other applications. System advertising and push notifications can be activated even after the screen is locked or when the device is unlocked. To return comfortable use of the gadget, you need to perform a comprehensive cleaning of settings and disable several hidden services.
In this guide, we will discuss all known ways to eliminate unwanted tabs: you will learn how to limit browser access to system data, disable account-level advertising and block suspicious processes. A critical step is to disable the MSA service (MIUI System Ads), without which other actions may not be effective. Follow the instructions consistently to achieve results.
Diagnostics of the source of unwanted tabs
Before you start deleting, it is important to understand the nature of the appearance of unnecessary windows. Often users confuse the MIUI system notifications with the work of the browser itself. In some cases, the culprit is not the Yandex Browser itself, but the built-in Explorer or Music application, which has access to the network and display advertising landing pages.
You need to carefully analyze when the tab opens, if it happens immediately after connecting to Wi-Fi or when you unlock the screen, it is a system (advertising service), and if tabs are opened only when you use certain applications, it may be the fault of permissions to “display on top of other windows”.
For accurate diagnosis, follow the following steps:
- 🔍 Open the Manager of running applications and see what process is active at the time of the appearance of advertising.
- 📱 Check the history of views in Yandex Browser – if there are no records of the opening time, then the tab was launched by a third-party program.
- ⚙️ Go to the Settings section → Annexes → All applications and sort the list by the time of last use.
⚠️ Warning: If tabs open with alarming regularity and contain adult content or virus warnings, this could be a sign of installing real malware. MIUI This may not be enough and you will need to check the antivirus.
Disabling system advertising and MSA service
The main source of intrusive content in the shell Xiaomi is the service MSA (MIUI System Ads), which is responsible for collecting user data and targeted advertising in system applications, disabling this service is the first and most important step in the fight against unwanted tabs.
The process of shutting down requires attention, as the system will try to return everything as it was. When you try to turn off the switch, MIUI will start a countdown timer (usually 10 seconds), waiting for the user to change his mind. You need to wait for the countdown to end and confirm the action. If the timer did not appear the first time, try repeating the operation several times.
Procedure for disabling advertising:
- 🚫 Go to Settings. → Passwords and security → Access to personal data.
- 📉 Find the msa service in the list and disable the network access slider.
- 🔄 Repeat the procedure for Mi Video, Music, Explorer and C Cleanup applications.
☑️ Checklist of ad-shutdown
After disabling the MSA, it is also recommended to remove the personalization of advertising in your account settings. To do this, go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Authorization and Security → Advertising Services and disable Ad Personalization. This action will break the link between your device ID and the ad servers.
Configuring permissions for Yandex Browser
Yandex Browser itself also has its own settings that can provoke the opening of news feeds or recommendation blocks. The mobile version of the browser often activates the Zen function or similar news aggregators, which can be perceived by the user as unnecessary tabs.
To clear the browser of unnecessary functionality, you need to go to its internal settings. Usually the path looks like this: a menu of three points → Settings → Recommendment Tape. Here you should turn off the display of news on the home page. It is also worth checking the Additions section and disabling any dubious extensions that may have been installed without your knowledge.
It is important to limit the rights of the application at the level of the Android operating system:
- 🔒 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications → Yandex.
- 🚫 Select Other Permits and disable Auto Start».
- 📂 In the Permissions section, make sure that the browser does not have access to contacts or microphones unless required for your work.
Why does the browser require so many permissions?
Cleaning the cache and application data
Accumulated cache and temporary files may contain scripts that cause tabs to open. Even after disabling advertising services, old data can remain in the device's memory. Deep cleaning of the browser helps reset all temporary settings and delete saved scripts.
Please note that this step will delete saved passwords, browsing history and cookies, so make sure your data is synced with your Yandex account or stored elsewhere. Once cleaned, the browser will return to the post-installed state.
Algorithm for cleaning:
- Open the settings of your Xiaomi smartphone.
- Go to the Appendix section → All Appendices.
- Find in the list Yandex (or Yandex Browser).
- Click on the Clean button at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose Clear Everything for a complete reset.
| Type of data | What's removed | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Cash. | Temporary files, pictures, scripts | Safe, speeds up work. |
| Data data | Logins, passwords, history, settings | Complete reset to factory condition |
| All right. | Cash + Data | Recommended for problems with advertising |
💡
After cleaning the data and re-authenticating in Yandex Browser, do not rush to restore all settings from the cloud. Try to work with a “clean” profile for a couple of days – perhaps the problem lies in synchronized extensions or settings.
Blocking through DNS and hosts file
For advanced users who want to be guaranteed to get rid of network-level advertising, using a private DNS is an effective method, which allows you to block requests to known ad servers before they reach your device.
Modern versions of Android (starting with 9.0) have a built-in Private DNS feature that requires no additional apps to be installed and works systemically for all connections. The setup field requires a server address that filters traffic. One of the most popular and reliable solutions is AdGuard DNS.
Instructions for setting up DNS:
- 🌐 Go to Settings. → Connection and Sharing (or Wi-Fi and Internet»).
- 🔍 Find a private item DNS (It may be in the section "Additional»).
- ✍️ Select Manual or Host Name of the Provider».
- 📝 Enter the address: dns.adguard.com
- 💾 Save the settings and restart the smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: Use of third-party DNS-servers may cause some applications that block such connections (for example, separate banking applications or streaming services) to fail. DNS Internet stopped working in specific programs, return the setting to the “Auto” mode».
Removing system applications via ADB (for experienced)
If standard methods do not help, you can resort to a radical method - removing system components through debugging. USB tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge This method allows you to remove applications that are usually hidden from the user and do not have a button to delete».
You will need a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) to work), USB-cable and installed drivers ADB. On the phone you need to activate the developer mode: seven times click on the version MIUI In the About Phone section, then in the Developer menu, turn on Debugging by USB.
Commands for removing advertising components:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.msa.global
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser💡
Removing system packages via ADB does not require root rights, but requires caution. Removing critical system components (such as Security or Settings) can cause a bootloop to fail.
Once the commands are executed, the changes take effect immediately, and to return the remote application, you will need to reset the phone to the factory settings, so use this method only if you are sure of the names of the packets being removed. For safe removal, it is recommended to use graphical shells such as Xiaomi. ADB/Fastboot Tools that highlight safe to remove applications.